Attinuators in parallel vs Series...what is an attenuator?

[TRex]

Do attenuators in parallel with a speaker act as a load? Do i need to set the total impedance like the attinuator is a speaker?

If so, why does the attenuator in series not change the impedance like when speakers are in series? Does the the attenuator only add to the load when it itself doesn't have a speaker to use as a load?

What value does an attenuator change? Resistance/impedance is too important to cchage, as it could kill an amp. Is it voltage, or current?

Im looking at picking up a 16ohm attenuator before i head to collage. Dorm rooms and a 20 watt tube amp does not sound ideal, lol. On the other hand, i don't want to buy a new smaller amp thats similar.

I tried to read up, but my limited knowledge of electrical circuits is making this confusing.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Attinuators in parallel vs Series...what is an attenuator?

You are way overthinking this. And it depends on the attenuator. What models are you looking at? I know my Weber will take 4-8-16 but the output is always 8.

For one, I don't think an attenuator is going to be your solution in a dorm. Headphones or nothing for the most part, at least that was my experience.

 

[TRex]

Re: Attinuators in parallel vs Series...what is an attenuator?

You are way overthinking this. And it depends on the attenuator. What models are you looking at? I know my Weber will take 4-8-16 but the output is always 8.

For one, I don't think an attenuator is going to be your solution in a dorm. Headphones or nothing for the most part, at least that was my experience.

Mostly the weber mini mass and the Jet city Jettenuator.

I was planning on using the line out/headphone out woth headphones for dorm use if need be.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Attinuators in parallel vs Series...what is an attenuator?

You will have to email each to double check the output, but like I said my Weber is 8ohm out regardless of the input. It doesn't say what type the Jet City is but judging by its size I'm assuming its resistive vs reactive like the Weber.

I'm going to say this again though, if your buying this strictly for dorm use, don't. I don't think your 20w tube amp is going to be usable in anyway there. Get a cheap modeling amp or something that sounds good through headphones. I bought my POD 2.0 back in the day for this reason exactly.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Attinuators in parallel vs Series...what is an attenuator?

But then how are all the ladies going to know he plays guitar?


Sorry for the OT...

 

[TRex]

Re: Attinuators in parallel vs Series...what is an attenuator?

You will have to email each to double check the output, but like I said my Weber is 8ohm out regardless of the input. It doesn't say what type the Jet City is but judging by its size I'm assuming its resistive vs reactive like the Weber.

I'm going to say this again though, if your buying this strictly for dorm use, don't. I don't think your 20w tube amp is going to be usable in anyway there. Get a cheap modeling amp or something that sounds good through headphones. I bought my POD 2.0 back in the day for this reason exactly.

Its not strictly for dorm use per say. I think it would give me a usable "cranked" sound at smaller gigs/shows.

I do want to finally be able to hear my amp "cranked" more often, and without the potential hearing damage. (This thing with the master above 5 or so is all i can ever stand while in the same (quite large) room.)

The weber mini mass looks to be the better deal and the better product with the Reactive load (speaker motor) in all. I might get one with a headphone out. I have 8 and 16 ohm outs.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Attinuators in parallel vs Series...what is an attenuator?

Well then there ya go!

I can honestly say my Weber has been awesome, I use it at home for recording (just to keep the SPL down) and they were not afraid to answer questions even though I bought it used.

 

[TRex]

Re: Attinuators in parallel vs Series...what is an attenuator?

Nice, they seem to get great reviews and a very reasonably priced. I think that top boost is what saves them from pitfalls other products fall in.